DEATH IN THE SICKROOM

Formerly Bluebell’s jangliest four piece, anti-pop juggernaut, Death in the Sickroom, make their little anticipated return to Dublin’s music scene. Formed in 2012 by childhood friends Mark Heffernan and Devin Griffin, Death in the Sickroom became synonymous with intricate guitar playing, glittering melodies, and acerbic portraits of unsavoury Dublin archetypes. After signing with Reekus Records in 2013 the group went on to play Dublin favourites (The Workman’s, Whelan’s, Sweeney’s, Twisted Pepper, The Mercantile, The Grand Social) and more exotic venues such as Crane Lane, Cork. Released to largely favourable reviews, the group’s debut EP, Brick to the Face, was lauded as both a ‘snotty, kitchen-sink-inspired salvo of jangle pop’ and ‘refreshingly brash with a social realist tinge’.

Following a short hiatus, Death in the Sickroom reformed with the inclusion of bass player, Laura Byrne, and drummer, Sean Cooling. The group’s re-emergence in 2017 sees frontman and principal songwriter, Mark Heffernan, mature in his craft, delving into more expansive thematic matter, drawing on seismic political shifts and revelling in the oily glibness of self-proclaimed men-of-the-people. Death in the Sickroom’s upcoming, sophomore release signals the group’s sonic progression, characterised by chorus laden ballads of self-doubt, grimier explorations of tension and momentum, and colourfully overblown disco anthems.

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MONTAUK HOTEL

Montauk Hotel are a shimmer-pop act based in Dublin. Taking influence from the glimmer of early 80s indie-pop, Montauk Hotel have fused strong melodies with glistening guitars to create a sound that is their own.

Formed late last year, Montauk Hotel are made up of Claudia Verdecchia (vocals), Shell Dooley (guitars), Aoife Hester (bass) and Karima Dillon-El Toukhy (drums).

Montauk Hotel made an impressive impact on the Dublin live music scene in 2016 with shows including The Last Mixed Tape’s Lost Tapes series, The Sound House, The Bowery, Whelan’s and Sin E and supporting acts such as Paddy Hanna, Beauty Sleep, Jem Mitchell and Odu.

Their debut single ‘Black Dress’ was released in late January to critical acclaim. Montauk Hotel launched their E.P. on March 10th with a sold-out show in Whelans, Dublin.

“Dripping in metallic guitar vibes and early ‘80s indie pop, ‘Black Dress’ is a charming melodic opening gambit”
Nialler9, New Irish Artist of the Week – The Irish Times